It was the story of a Nigerian woman who was brought to Italy on false promises of a nanny job resulting in forced prostitution that first introduced founders, Justin and Rawan Shrum, to the harsh reality of human trafficking in Europe. When the woman sought help from a local church, the leaders turned to the police for assistance. To their shock, they were told that this level of criminal activity was mafia controlled and that there was nothing they could do to stop it. Afraid and disheartened, the woman disappeared, never to be heard from again.

After hearing the story, they were compelled by the deep sense of hopelessness within it. One question stuck with them: if the police were unable to help, who could? Resolved on the principle that no one facing such a despairing situation should be left without support, The Justice Project was born and in 2010, the Shrums moved their family to Karlsruhe, Germany to pioneer the work of building a restoration center for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

What began as a grassroots initiative among a group of volunteers has blossomed into a long-standing, professional social work, meeting the needs of victims of trafficking and women in prostitution. Today, The Justice Project operates on an international level. In North America, clients reaching out for help are provided stabilization support and referral services to organizations capable of providing direct care. In Germany, The Justice Project provides management and oversight of victim identification efforts in refugee camps, brothels, and on the streets. In addition, we provide support to long-term aftercare programs and safe housing in direct partnership with the staff of The Justice Project e.V. in Germany.